Barbara Laddomada | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

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Barbara Laddomada | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

CNR ISPA | Italy

Dr. Barbara Laddomada, PhD, is a senior researcher at CNR-ISPA whose career since 1999 has centered on advancing the nutritional and technological quality of Mediterranean foods through integrated approaches in food science, plant genetics, and bioactive compound research. Her work focuses on understanding and improving the genetic basis of health-promoting components in crops, with particular emphasis on wheat, pulses, and other staples of the Mediterranean diet. She has developed extensive expertise in food science and technology, the traceability of Mediterranean food supply chains—including extra-virgin olive oil, wheat, and pulses—and the characterization of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Her research also contributes to the valorisation of plant biodiversity and the sustainable use of food by-products. Laddomada plays an active international role as a member of the Wheat Initiative’s Expert Working Groups on improving wheat quality for processing and health, as well as on durum wheat genomics and breeding. With an academic foundation in agricultural sciences and a doctoral degree in plant genetics, she has conducted influential research experiences, including dissecting the genetic basis of yield and quality traits in durum wheat under FAO sponsorship and serving as a visiting scientist at Kansas State University, where she contributed to projects on protein content and plant health. She currently leads major national and international research projects, including the PRIMA MEDWHEALTH initiative aimed at enhancing the functional and health value of wheat-based foods, and additional collaborative projects funded by European and national agencies targeting grain loss reduction, sustainable wheat cultivation, and agro-food chain innovation. In addition to her scientific leadership, she contributes to research evaluation as a reviewer for national funding bodies and supports scholarly communication as an editor for the journal Foods and a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals in food science, food chemistry, and food technology.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sgaramella, N., Nigro, D., Pasqualone, A., … Blanco, E., Simeone, R., & Blanco, A. (2023). Genetic mapping of flavonoid grain pigments in durum wheat. Plants, 12(8), 1674.

Scarano, A., Laddomada, B., Blando, F., … Verna, G., Chieppa, M., & Santino, A. (2023). The chelating ability of plant polyphenols can affect iron homeostasis and gut microbiota. Antioxidants, 12(3), 630.

Romano, G., Del Coco, L., Milano, F., … Jilal, A., Fanizzi, F. P., & Laddomada, B. (2022). Phytochemical profiling and untargeted metabolite fingerprinting of the MEDWHEALTH wheat, barley and lentil wholemeal flours. Foods, 11(24), 4070.

Del Coco, M., Laddomada, B., Romano, G., Carcagnì, P., Kumar, S., & Leo, M. (2022). Characterization of a collection of colored lentil genetic resources using a novel computer vision approach. Foods, 11(24), 3964.

Calabriso, N., Scoditti, E., Massaro, M., … Chieppa, M., Laddomada, B., & Carluccio, M. A. (2022). Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and protective role of dietary polyphenols. Nutrients, 14(13), 2679.

Laddomada, B., & Wang, W. (2022). Multiple approaches to improve the quality of cereal-based foods. Foods, 11(13), 1849.

Sudabeh Gharemahmudli | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Sudabeh Gharemahmudli | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Department of Watershed Management Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) | Iran

Dr. Sudabeh Gharemahmudli is an accomplished environmental scientist specializing in soil and water conservation, salinity management, and microbial biotechnology for erosion control. She is currently completing her Postdoctoral Fellowship at Tarbiat Modares University (2025), having earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, where she conducted pioneering research titled “Controllability of Soil and Water Loss in Saline Soils Using Microorganisms.” Her doctoral work, supervised by Professor Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, explored the innovative use of soil cyanobacteria to biologically stabilize saline and alkaline soils, demonstrating a sustainable approach to reducing erosion and surface runoff under simulated rainfall conditions. Dr. Gharemahmudli also holds an M.Sc. from Tarbiat Modares University a B.Sc., and an A.Sc. from Gonbad Kavous University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Her scientific contributions lie at the intersection of biological soil management, environmental restoration, and eco-engineering, with a focus on developing long-term, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional soil stabilizers. She continues to advance her research on bio-based strategies for watershed management and environmental sustainability. Dr. Gharemahmudli is known for her dedication to applying microbial technologies in addressing global challenges related to soil degradation, salinization, and water resource conservation.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Rouhani, H., Gharemahmudli, S., Torkashvand, T., & Kashani, M. (2017). Granulometric variation of river suspended sediments due to sand and gravel mining: Case study of Vaz River. Watershed Management Research, 30(1), 2–13.

  • Sadeghi, S. H. R., Gharemahmudli, S., Kheirfam, H., Khaledi Darvishan, A., Kiani Harchegani, M., Saeidi, P., Gholami, L., & Vafakhah, M. (2018). Short-term temporal variations in runoff and sediment concentration in different land uses under two rainfall intensities. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 6(2), 184–193.

  • Gharemahmudli, S., Najafinejad, A., Sadeghi, S. H. R., Zarei Darkid, B., Mohammadian Behbahanie, A., & Kheirfam, H. (2020). Effects of type, level and time of sand and gravel mining on particle size distributions of suspended sediment. Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 27(3), 163–180.

  • Sadeghi, S. H. R., Najafinejad, A., Gharemahmudli, S., Zarei Darkid, B., Mohammadian Behbahanie, A., & Kheirfam, H. (2021). Reducing surface runoff from soils subjected to a freezing–thawing cycle using soil cyanobacteria. Applied Soil Ecology, 157, 103770.

  • Gharemahmudli, S., Sadeghi, S. H. R., Sadeghi, V. S., Najafinejad, A., & Jafarpoor, A. (2022). Reduction in soil loss caused by a freeze–thaw cycle through inoculation of endemic soil microorganisms. Catena, 213, 106150.

  • Sadeghi, S. H. R., & Gharemahmudli, S. (2022). Morphometrical analysis of cracks and crevices on a cyanobacterized soil surface subjected to a freeze–thaw cycle using image processing. Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 29(1), 1–30.

Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tuskegee University | United States

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is a soil scientist with extensive expertise in biochar, soil chemistry, and environmental sustainability. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, he focuses on pesticide risk assessment, air pollution dispersion, and the role of biochar in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation explored biochar applications for saline soil improvement. With over seven years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, he has taught advanced courses in soil fertility, plant nutrition, environmental soil chemistry, and soil-water-plant relationships. His research contributions have advanced the understanding of heavy metal remediation, soil reclamation, phytoremediation, and nutrient management in saline agriculture. Dr. Irfan has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Muhammad Irfan has a strong academic foundation in soil and environmental sciences. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from the College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation focused on “The characters of biochar and application in saline soil improvement.” His doctoral work laid the groundwork for his expertise in soil remediation and biochar technology. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, with a thesis on the “Effect of phosphorus and sulfur on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize.” He also holds a B.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from the same institution, complemented by an internship evaluating irrigation water quality and soil salinity in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Collectively, his academic journey highlights a consistent focus on soil health, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Irfan’s career blends teaching, research, and applied environmental science. he has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, USA, working on pesticide risk assessment, urban air dispersion, and biochar’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. he served as a Research Scholar at Auburn University, focusing on manufacturing biochar from downed timber and exploring its applications in soil amendment and wastewater treatment. Prior to his U.S. research appointments, Dr. Irfan was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. There, he taught advanced soil science courses, supervised research projects, and conducted studies on soil fertility, heavy metal remediation, and saline soil management. His teaching portfolio includes Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil-Water-Plant Relationships, and Environmental Soil Chemistry, establishing him as both an educator and a researcher of high repute.

Honors and Awards

While specific formal awards are not listed, Dr. Irfan’s career is distinguished by significant academic and research achievements that reflect recognition in his field. His successful completion of a PhD at China Agricultural University with a dissertation on biochar applications in saline soils represents a major scholarly milestone. His postdoctoral appointments at Auburn University and Tuskegee University in the United States further highlight international recognition of his expertise in soil science, environmental chemistry, and biochar research. He has consistently collaborated with international teams of scientists, publishing in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society. His selection for advanced projects on pesticide risk assessment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and biochar’s role in environmental sustainability signifies his contributions being valued at the global research level. Collectively, his positions, collaborations, and publications serve as evidence of professional honors.

Research Focus

Dr. Irfan’s research is primarily centered on soil remediation, biochar technology, and sustainable agricultural practices. He investigates the characterization of biochar with enhanced heavy metal removal efficiency and its applications in soil and water systems. His work extends into ecotoxicology, focusing on heavy metal speciation, mobility, and bioavailability in contaminated soils and sediments. He has developed adsorption and desorption models to better understand heavy metal interactions and tested remediation strategies using both organic and inorganic soil amendments. Additionally, his studies explore phytoremediation and saline agriculture, with special emphasis on nutrient and water management in saline soils. His recent projects have included assessing pesticide risk in urban agricultural systems and evaluating biochar’s role in greenhouse gas reduction. By integrating laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced modeling approaches, Dr. Irfan contributes solutions for heavy metal pollution, soil degradation, and sustainable food production, aligning his research with global environmental challenges.

Publications

  • Heavy metals immobilization and improvement in maize (Zea mays L.) growth amended with biochar and compost.

  • Exploring the potential effect of Achnatherum splendens L. derived biochar treated with phosphoric acid on bioavailability of cadmium and wheat growth in contaminated soil.

  • Evaluating the efficacy of activated carbon in minimizing the risk of heavy metals contamination in spinach for safe consumption.

  • Zinc foliar application mitigates cadmium-induced growth inhibition and enhances wheat growth, chlorophyll contents, and yield.

  • Effect of wheat straw derived biochar on the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and Cr using maize as test crop (Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

  • Impact of biochar interlayer on surface soil salt content, salt migration, and photosynthetic activity and yield of sunflowers: Laboratory and field studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is an accomplished soil scientist whose expertise bridges environmental sustainability, soil chemistry, and agricultural productivity. His research on biochar has opened new pathways for remediating heavy metal contamination, reclaiming saline soils, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to solutions for global environmental challenges. With a strong foundation in teaching and mentoring, he has guided students in advanced soil and environmental sciences while producing impactful research recognized internationally. His postdoctoral research at Auburn University and Tuskegee University underscores his role as a global collaborator in developing sustainable agricultural practices and environmental risk management strategies. By publishing in prestigious journals and advancing applied soil science, Dr. Irfan has established himself as a respected voice in biochar and soil remediation research. His career demonstrates a commitment to both advancing scientific knowledge and addressing urgent environmental concerns, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural and environmental sciences.

Estefanía Aroca | Sustainability Science | Interdisciplinary Citation Impact Award

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Dr. Estefanía Aroca | Sustainability Science | Interdisciplinary Citation Impact Award

PhD at University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Dr. Estefanía Aroca is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of Environmental Sciences, with a strong focus on natural hazards and environmental assessment. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, a Master’s Degree in Physics, Instrumentation, and Environment (Specialty in Natural Hazards and Environmental Assessment), and a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, where her thesis received the highest grade (cum laude unanimously). Dr. Aroca has extensive teaching experience, having taught courses in Geology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. She has also participated in various research projects, including the “DRAINAGE project,” which aimed to increase resilience to floods while improving water body status and sustainable resource management. In addition to her academic and research achievements, Dr. Aroca has undertaken a post-doctoral research stay at the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute, University of South Carolina, funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha. She has received prestigious grants and scholarships, including an FPI Predoctoral Contract – Postdoctoral Orientation Period (POP) and an FPI Predoctoral Contract, from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities. Dr. Aroca’s dedication to research excellence and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative methodologies make her a valuable asset to the scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Estefanía Aroca completed her university education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Málaga, awarded on 15/09/2013, with a good average mark. She furthered her studies with a Master’s Degree in Physics, Instrumentation, and Environment (Specialty in Natural Hazards and Environmental Assessment) from the University of Cantabria, Faculty of Sciences, awarded on 08/10/2014, achieving a qualification of 8.60. Dr. Aroca culminated her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, with her thesis titled “Methodological proposal for the holistic characterization of vulnerability in areas prone to flash flooding: design and application,” under the guidance of José María Bodoque del Pozo. She obtained her doctoral degree on 04/07/2022, with the highest grade (cum laude unanimously).

🗣️Teaching experience:

Dr. Estefanía Aroca has extensive teaching experience in the field of Environmental Sciences. She has taught courses in Geology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. For example, she taught Geology to first-year Bachelor’s Degree students in Environmental Sciences, covering core concepts, for 45 hours from 25/01/2023 to 31/03/2023. Additionally, she taught Surface and Groundwater Hydrology, an obligatory course for third-year Bachelor’s Degree students in Environmental Sciences, for 15 hours from 22/11/2022 to 10/12/2022. Her teaching contributions also include previous instances of teaching similar courses in 2022 and 2021. These teaching experiences demonstrate her commitment to educating students in the field of Environmental Sciences and her expertise in Geology and Hydrology.

Technological experience:

Dr. Estefanía Aroca has been involved in a significant research and development project titled “Design of a Methodology to Increase Resilience to Floods Compatible with the Improvement of the Status of Water Bodies and the Sustainable Management of Resources (DRAINAGE project).” This project, which took place at the University of Castilla-La Mancha from 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2021, focused on enhancing flood resilience while promoting sustainable water management practices. Dr. Aroca contributed as a researcher alongside 33 other researchers, under the direction of Principal Investigator José María Bodoque del Pozo. The project received funding from the Spanish Research Agency, a state agency, totaling 71,390 €. This experience highlights Dr. Aroca’s expertise in research and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative methodologies.

achievements:

Dr. Estefanía Aroca has undertaken a post-doctoral research stay at the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States of America, from 01/04/2023 to 30/06/2023, funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha. During this three-month period, she conducted postdoctoral research, contributing to the institute’s work on hazards, vulnerability, and resilience. Additionally, Dr. Aroca has received prestigious grants and scholarships to support her academic and research endeavors. She was awarded an FPI Predoctoral Contract – Postdoctoral Orientation Period (POP) by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities, on 01/08/2022, for a duration of one year, ending on 31/07/2023. This grant allowed her to pursue postdoctoral research at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry. Prior to this, she received an FPI Predoctoral Contract from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities, on 01/08/2019, for a duration of three years, ending on 31/07/2022, to support her pre-doctoral research at the same institution. Moreover, Dr. Aroca has been recognized as an Assistant Professor by Spain’s National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) on 28/10/2022, highlighting her academic achievements and expertise in her field. These achievements demonstrate her commitment to research excellence and academic advancement.

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📚Publications :

Construction of an integrated social vulnerability index in urban areas prone to flash flooding

Authors: E Aroca-Jimenez, JM Bodoque, JA Garcia, A Diez-Herrero

Citations: 84

Year: 2017

A quantitative methodology for the assessment of the regional economic vulnerability to flash floods

Authors: E Aroca-Jiménez, JM Bodoque, JA García, A Díez-Herrero

Citations: 54

Year: 2018

How to construct and validate an Integrated Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index: Implementation at regional scale in urban areas prone to flash flooding

Authors: E Aroca-Jiménez, JM Bodoque, JA García

Citations: 44

Year: 2020

Flood damage analysis: First floor elevation uncertainty resulting from LiDAR-derived digital surface models

Authors: JM Bodoque, C Guardiola-Albert, E Aroca-Jiménez, MÁ Eguibar

Citations: 37

Year: 2016

Holistic characterization of flash flood vulnerability: Construction and validation of an integrated multidimensional vulnerability index

Authors: E Aroca-Jiménez, JM Bodoque, JA García, JE Figueroa-García

Citations: 16

Year: 2022

Analysing flash flood risk perception through a geostatistical approach in the village of Navaluenga, Central Spain

Authors: C Guardiola‐Albert, A Díez‐Herrero, M Amerigo Cuervo‐Arango

Citations: 11

Year: 2020

Developing reliable urban flood hazard mapping from LiDAR data

Authors: JM Bodoque, E Aroca-Jiménez, MÁ Eguibar, JA García

Citations: 6

Year: 2023

Analysis of social vulnerability to flash floods in Urban Areas of Castilla y León (Spain)

Authors: E Aroca-Jimenez, JM Bodoque, JA Garcia, A Diez-Herrero

Citations: 6

Year: 2016

An Integrated Multidimensional Resilience Index for urban areas prone to flash floods: Development and validation

Authors: E Aroca-Jiménez, JM Bodoque, JA García

Citations: 2

Year: 2023

The relationship between the variables “main floor of houses with respect to their urban surroundings” and models for the estimation of economic losses owing to floods

Authors: JG Revilla, AD Herrero, E Aroca-Jiménez, JMB del Pozo, NB Folia

Citations: 2

Year: 2018